Year two: Week one.

by j00lerd

My classroom was set up, my outfit was picked out, and I was mentally ready for the first day of school. Then, the day before the first day I broke a bone in my foot. I spent half the day in the ER getting x-rays and meeting nurse practioners, but the end result was that I would be on crutches for at least 2 weeks. I was crushed that my first weeks in school wouldn’t be as effective as I had envisioned. I cried not out of pain, but out of a sens of loss for what could have been.

I was given an excuse note for work for 2 days, but there was no way I would miss the first day of school. All those kids and parents were counting on me to be there, and no matter how much it hurt or was exhausting I could at least push through a few days.

I had no idea the crushing exhaustion that comes from trying to corral 22 four year-olds while maneuvering on crutches. Even with s paraprofessional to help out, it was a struggle to make it to my car after school each day.

My class is PHENOMENAL. I love them all already. They are learning procedures and transitions, and I can tell we are going to things that are out of this world this year together. I just feel guilty that my weakness and pain are causing them to not have the absolute best experience in school they possibly could. I can’t wait for the day that I can walk around, carry objects on my own, and guide my students withotu having to hold crutches.

Tomorrow is parent night, and I am going to take Friday off. I need to recooperate from the week, and my body needs a rest. I’m exhausted. I hope the pain medicine and ice will help em sleep through the night.

I hope my kids know how much I love them and how hard I am working for them to make sure their first few days in school are fun and successful.